What You’ll Need

• “River-Table” – Complete Kit for Creating Your First Epoxy Resin Table – Provides resin, hardener, pigments, and polishing kit in one package, excellent for beginners or if you want all materials together.
• “Epoxytable 10-Ten” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables, Up to 10cm Casting – Ideal for deep pours up to 10cm when working with thicker tabletops.
• “EpoxyTable 5-Five” – Deep Pour Epoxy Resin for Tables and Large Projects – Up to 5cm – Suitable for pours up to 5cm, providing clarity and a durable finish.
• “Geode O” – Table Base for Epoxy Resin Art – Wood Support for Resin Projects – Robust base, ensuring your project stays level during the resin pour.
• Protective gloves, mask, safety glasses
• Mixing sticks, measuring jugs, and a digital scale
• Clamps, plastic sheeting or silicone tape for sealing
• Random orbit sander and polishing pads

Visualising Your Table Project

Take inspiration from successful resin pour coffee tables. Review examples showing various wood types, resin colours, and finished effects to help visualise your own design. Planning and reference images are essential for getting the look you want.

Step 1: Plan your design and prepare your workspace

Plan your design and prepare your workspace by deciding the table’s dimensions and style—such as a classic river table, vibrant colour swirls, or natural wood with clear resin. Layout your wood and table base on a level surface in a well-ventilated, dust-free area. Cover all work surfaces with plastic sheeting and ensure easy access to your tools. Adequate planning helps prevent rushing, resin mishaps, and improper curing.

Step 2: Prepare and seal your wood and table base

Prepare and seal your wood and table base by sanding the timber edges and surfaces, removing dust, and ensuring the wood is thoroughly dried. Place your chosen support, such as the “Geode O” – Table Base for Epoxy Resin Art – Wood Support for Resin Projects, on your protected workbench. Use silicone tape or sealant around the base and edges to prevent resin leaks. Position and secure the wood slabs to create channels or features for the resin. Gaps and holes in the wood should be filled or sealed to avoid air bubbles emerging during the pour.

Step 3: Mix and pour your epoxy resin

Mix and pour your epoxy resin according to the manufacturer’s ratio using a digital scale for accuracy. For pours up to 5cm, “EpoxyTable 5-Five” is ideal, or to achieve super-thick pours up to 10cm, opt for “Epoxytable 10-Ten”. Stir slowly, scraping sides, to minimise air incorporation. Pour the mixture in a steady stream into the formwork, starting from one end for even distribution. Remove surface bubbles with a heat gun or torch held at a safe distance. Depending on the thickness, multiple pours may be needed. Allow each layer to cure as directed before adding the next.

Step 4: Finish, cure, and polish the table

Finish, cure, and polish the table by letting the resin cure fully in a stable environment—avoid dust, temperature swings, and moisture. Remove all casing and sanding, beginning with coarse grit and progressing to fine for a smooth, edge-free surface. Refine the finish by using the polishing kit from the “River-Table” – Complete Kit for Creating Your First Epoxy Resin Table (if available), following the recommended cream and pad sequence to achieve a high-gloss or satin finish. Wipe clean and install table legs or bases as desired for the final assembly.

Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain a stable temperature (ideally 20–24°C) for best curing and bubble control. Use only dry, seasoned wood to prevent future resin displacement or cloudiness. Always check your formwork is leak-proof before mixing resin, as escaping liquid can ruin both the table and workspace. Avoid over-mixing and introducing excess air, and let each layer fully cure before pouring the next to prevent delamination and soft spots.

Finishing Touches and Surface Details

Creating a flawless table finish involves careful sanding and polishing. Examine detailed views of properly cured and polished resin, and observe how controlled lighting and fine abrasives deliver a luxurious gloss or subtle matte texture on your coffee table.